Just a little over 10 years ago, the Sungai Buloh Forest Reserve (the remnant lowland dipterocarp forest is now known as the Kota Damansara Community Forest) was under threat of destruction thanks to corrupt politicians and land developers.
Thankfully, however, concerned citizens groups, nature lovers, environmental organisations and indigenous communities collaborated effectively and quickly to lobby for the protection of the forest reserve from future threats and to promote its sustainable use.
The Pakatan Rakyat State Government worked quickly to gazette and protect the forest reserve, as they had promised to do in their election manifesto, following their win in the 2008 General Elections.
This marks the second year that the Kota Damansara Community Forest Society and the Malaysian Nature Society are holding their joint Open Day / Community Day at the Kota Damansara Community Forest. This year, it was held not at the Section 10 forest where the lake is, but at the Taman Rimba Riang Community Forest in Section 9.
We were supposed to hold this event sometime in June to mark World Environment Day, but thanks to the water crisis, hot weather and other inconveniences, it had to be postponed to August 17. I am glad it was postponed, as it gave us more time to prepare for the event. The weather was fine and many local residents turned up to help us observe the belated World Environment Day celebrations. I would like to express my appreciation to all the volunteers and visitors who made this event the success that it was, and who have assisted and supported us in our ongoing efforts to protect urban green lungs and rainforests.
Green Living was as usual one of the first interest groups to respond to the request for interest groups to take up booths and organise activities, and I am grateful for the volunteers who stepped forward to help out.
Henry took this photo of the Green Living volunteers (and coordinator!) hard at work at our booth.
First-time volunteers Catherine, Ju Lienne, Catherine and Akshara did an excellent job helping out and explaining concepts such as the 3Rs and Energy Efficiency to the young visitors.
Organic produce at Titi Eco Farm's little stall. The stall helpers were busy watching the Zumba demonstration in the parking area.
Giant soap bubbles on a Sunday morning.
A futsal game in session at the parking area.
Audrey and Marcus helping Steven out at the MNS Herpetofauna booth.
Activity and outreach booths by various NGOs and environmental interest groups.
Power Shift Malaysia's awareness and outreach booth.
Ju Lienne's mother very kindly offered to help me clean up the park using my rubbish claw.
Akshara helping some of our youngest clients out in the 3R Target Shooting Game.
A young visitor trying her hand at the Energy Efficiency Ball Toss game. Shanthini wasn't kidding when she said she is good with children! She was magic!
Sidewalk chalk art. I did the 'Go Solar' one.
A quick pitstop for breakfast for our hardworking volunteers, Akshara, Catherine and Aravind.
The Taman Rimba Riang park in Section 9, which I previously never even knew existed!
My friend Kavita's little son and daughter had their hands and faces painted with a shark and a dolphin respectively. Patricia is a face-painting legend and one of our oldest and most dedicated volunteers.
Koon Hup, our reliable MNS Flora Group coordinator, surrounded by potted plants for sale.
Participants can learn how to make grasshoppers out of coconut leaves here at the Flora Booth.
A surprised-looking coconut.
Coconut leaf art.
Our volunteer Nature Guide, Azmir, leading the guided walk into Harmony Trail, with Rangamal as the sweeper.
My rubbish claw and green bin bags go with me everywhere. We picked up a lot of rubbish at the end of the trail where the forest ends and the construction site takes over.
George and Rangamal, feeling right at home in the forest.
The distinctive red roots of the Tinjau Belukar (Randia scortechinii King & Gamble).
Strangler fig competing with its host tree for sunlight.
Directions to the Park:
Address: Taman Rimba Riang, Jalan Rimba Riang 9/1d, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google Map: Taman Rimba Riang
3 comments:
Hi do you know what is the name of the tree which is host to the strangling fig (your last photo in the post)? Thanks very much~
I think it's a Meranti Tembaga, Islander, but you will need to check against botany sites or books.
Thanks for your reply!
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